David Kohl, USA TODAY SPORTS
Kevin Gregg was supposed to help the Cincinnati Reds this season out of the bullpen. Manager Bryan Price figured Gregg could serve in a setup role to get the Reds to Aroldis Chapman at the end of games.
Gregg came to Cincinnati with strong credentials. The veteran right-hander served as the closer for the Miami Marlins, the Chicago Cubs, the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles previously, but suffered through injuries last season. The Reds took a chance on him, hoping he could bolster their bullpen in 2015.
To put things simply, it hasn’t worked. Gregg has been atrocious this season, and he was just that again on Thursday night. In two-thirds of an inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Gregg allowed three earned runs, three hits and two walks. When he entered the game, the Reds were still within striking distance, trailing just 3-2. By the time he left, the game was over.
Even the best pitchers have off nights, that simply goes with the territory. But Gregg’s performance on Thursday was more rule than exception. Gregg has now appeared in 11 games for Cincinnati this season. He has given up at least one earned run in seven of his 11 appearances. He has given up more than one earned run on four occasions. His ERA after Thursday night is now 10.13.
It’s now time for the Reds to cut their losses and to release Gregg. They took a chance that he might be able to find his old form, but it hasn’t worked. And the Reds have plenty of options in the minor leagues to replace him.
Cincinnati fell back to the .500 mark on Thursday and this team needs to make some changes to get things going. Releasing Gregg would be a good first step.
Tim Letcher is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TimLetcher , on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
